By paNOW

Former Roughrider brings big bullying message

Jan 17, 2018 | 3:00 PM

He’s a big spokesman for a big cause.

Former Roughrider Luc Mullinder stopped in Prince Albert to promote this year’s Red Cross Pink Day.

“We’re reaching a lot of kids with bullying prevention education and it’s obviously so important,” Mullinder told paNOW on a promotional visit to the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group’s media outlets Wednesday. “It’s one of the biggest things [students] are going to encounter, and actually throughout all stages of their life.”

And it’s people in the post-school years that Mullinder and the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Red Cross want to reach as they encourage the public to order their official T-shirts ahead of the big day Feb. 28.

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

3h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

7h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

11h ago

Former Roughrider Luc Mullinder speaks about his involvement in the Red Cros Pink Day efforts. The big day is Feb.28 but Mullinder is encouraging businesses to get behind the important cause.

Mullinder, who is the project manager for the “Imagine no bullying” campaign said not only schools, but businesses can play their part to support efforts to spread anti-bullying education and resources far and wide.

“Through things like Red Cross Pink Day we have now started to reach one in every three students and by 2019 we will have reached every student in this province,” said the imposing 6’4” former defensive end.

People take notice when Mullinder has something to say and certainly knew all about it in his playing days on the field. But his key focus these days regarding anti-bullying is to ensure everyone gets heard and can expect some sort of support from others in a bullying situation.

“I might be big enough not to get bullied but we want others to be that hero who will step up and help,” he said. “It’s important to know most incidents of bullying end within 10 seconds of someone intervening.”

Official Red Cross Pink Day T-shirts can be bought for $20 through their website. That price applies to workplaces and individuals. Schools can enquire about getting a discount. There is also an abundance of free resources and Pink Day ideas available for download.

As we get close to Feb. 28 Mullinder and his Red Cross teammates hope Saskatchewanians will continue to make plans for the bid day, whether that’s through school rallies and assemblies, or businesses holding fundraisers and wearing official gear.

“The messaging, education, techniques and resources you can give to somebody that gets themselves or anybody else out of a bullying situation, that’s imperative,” he said. 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow